Monsters in literature are portrayed as malicious and immoral beings. However, the corrupt views of society reflects upon these monsters. Authors exploit monsters as metaphors of society to provide lessons for readers. In the poem Beowulf, the author utilizes monsters in literature to depict the negative aspects of society, such as vengeance and the need for power. Therefore, monsters’ purpose in literature is to teach readers to better themselves.
Vengeance demonstrates the qualities that monsters in literature share with society. This is shown by monsters seeking revenge for their previous downfalls; monsters do this by tearing down anyone that affected them. For example, an excerpt from Beowulf stated, “Then it became clear, / obvious to everyone once the fight was over, / that an avenger lurked and was still alive, / grimly biding time. Grendel mother, / monstrous hell-bride, brooded on her wrongs...She came to the Heorot. There, inside the hall, / Danes lay asleep, earls who would soon endure / a great reversal, once Grendel’s mother / attacked and entered” (1255-1282).
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It’s clear that Grendel’s mother seeks revenge because of the downfalls that she has experienced, such as the Grendel’s death and being outcasted as an evil being. This implicates that monsters must compensate for the destruction done to them. Because they are used as metaphors for society’s worst qualities, readers are able to learn from monsters in literature. Moreover, readers are able to better themselves by avenging their downfalls without hurting others around them. Thus, the author of Beowulf includes the concept of vengeance to inform readers of society’s antagonist views and how to